Follow up

I first would like to apologize for not posting or responding for the past two weeks. I intentionally took some time away from the blogs after the campaign, but failed to mention that I would be doing so. In turn, I have been accused of not following through on being an effective communicator and listener, something in which I take great pride. I am, however, back to reading, replying and posting on a regular basis.

The 2% hotel/motel increase

The Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) worked with city staff to bring forward a resolution to increase the hotel/motel tax by 2%, which was approved on a 4-0-2 vote. There has been quite a bit of discussion and confusion about how this will work.

As explained in the resolution, during the council meeting and at the previously televised council workshop, the first 2% will be used to pay the city's debt service on the current convention center. The next 1% will go directly to the OCVB (our designated tourism entity). The final 7% will be divided up between the city, OCVB and the Grand Opera House Foundation.

The 2% increase is being used for the bond payment. The original 8% will be used to pay for the convention center operations, funding for the Grand Opera House and OCVB, who plans to use some of their funds to create a development fund, similar to the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, to help projects that would promote tourism.

I supported the increase, but was advised by the City Attorney that I needed to abstain from the vote since I am employed by the university, who is one of the potential benefactors of the OCVB development fund matching grant. I did, however, successfully amend the proposal to have a sunset clause; the tax will revert back to the original 8% upon successful repayment of the convention center bonds.

Nuisance Ordinance

The nuisance ordinance proposal, which was approved on a 4-2 vote, will only strengthen our neighborhoods. The common misconception with this ordinance is that property owners will be held financially liable for the actions of their tenants. This is not true. A property owner would only be fined under this ordinance if he or she refuses to cooperate with the city once he or she has been properly notified of a nuisance.

I supported this proposal because it gives the community and the city another tool in developing strong, quality neighborhoods. I believe 99% of property owners will not be impacted by this ordinance change. Who will be impacted? The absentee-landlord who simply refuses to take responsibility for his or her property.

Crime in Oshkosh

The new council meets for the first time Tuesday, April 17th, and this will be one of the topics on our agenda. When crime rates went down in the 1990's, it was because we had a strong economy - people had good paying jobs and education was more affordable. That is why it would be a mistake for us to look at this problem with only one solution. We will need to address issues such as jobs, the economy, education, social and human services, law enforcement, housing, poverty, etc. This will be one of the most important issues the council will tackle this year.

I believe that should catch me up on recent discussions. As always, I welcome your feedback and discussions. And I look forward to again serving on your council for the next two years.

-Bryan